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Real Turkey

15 Days | Coastal cruising to city schmoozing – see it all, Turkish style.

4.8 out of 5 based on 43 reviews submitted.
18 to 29s
From
EUR €1,157
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 29 year olds

You’ll be hard-pressed finding a country that can provide all the goods of a true cultural crusade – ancient ruins to explore, alluring beaches to swim at, local food to indulge in, lively cities to discover, and plenty of time to travel at your own pace. Get the low-down of everything Turkish on this 15-day essentials adventure from Istanbul, through the peaceful Gallipoli peninsula, acclaimed Ephesus, traditional Selcuk, seaside Fethiye, attractive Antalya and the real highlight of quirky Cappadocia. With a coastal cruise and knowledgeable local leaders all thrown in, what’s not to like about tantalising Turkey?

Trip overview

Map of Real Turkey including Turkey
Start
Istanbul, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Theme
18 to 29s
Destinations
Turkey
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 29
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
ERYOC
This trip generates 35.95 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Responsible travel

You book, we donate to help support local communities


Why you'll love this trip
  • Eat, swim, sunbake, repeat – that’s what will happen when you get cruising along Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline. The choice is yours if you’d like to go exploring, or just relax on deck.
  • The weird and wonderful world of Cappadocia might be the most unusual place in Turkey. Learn all about its fairy chimneys and sprawling rock formations from your expert local leader.
  • Thought all the best Roman ruins were in Italy? Think again! Turkey is home to one of the best-preserved classics of Ephesus – so discover it just like Anthony and Cleopatra did 2000 years ago.
  • Take a group hike from the deserted ghost town of Karakoy over the hills to check out the stunning Blue Lagoon – your group leader will know all the spots to go to get the best vantage points.
  • The thriving metropolis of Istanbul is where East literally meets West. With the option to extend your stay here, you’ve got the power to continue your Turkish escapade right away!

Is this trip right for you?
  • You’ll get an extra taste of local life on this trip, with most travel done on public buses. There are loads of reasons why this is great, but here are just a few: it minimises our carbon footprint, gives you a real chance to interact with the local community, and these aren’t your regular buses. Most Turkish buses have wi-fi, in-seat entertainment and serve refreshments.
  • Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but it does require a level of independence. Only are few meals are included, so mostly you'll find your own (with plenty of suggestions from your leader of course) – a great way to mingle with locals and discover unexpected delights! This trip puts it in your hands with the option of free time or taking optional tours. Maybe budget a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included.
  • The cobblestone streets, narrow steps and tiny bridges of Turkey are very romantic. They’re also another good reason to pack light and leave the wheeled suitcase at home. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the buses, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in Turkey (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. The weather can be hot in July and August, but keep in mind that this is the best time to enjoy the clear water of the Mediterranean. It can also get quite cool in these destinations, particularly from October to April, so don't forget to pack extra layers if travelling at this time.
  • While this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities. You’ll need your walking shoes, a hat, some sunscreen, and a daypack to explore some of historical sites. All site tours are guided, but you can wander at your own pace if you prefer.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Real Turkey including Turkey

Inclusions

Meals

12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Ferry, Local bus, Private Bus, Train, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Guest House (3 nights), Multi-share guest house/hostel (2 nights), Overnight Bus (1 night)

Activities
  • Gallipoli - Battlefields Tour
  • Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
  • Lycian Way - Hike from Kayakoy to Oludeniz Beach
  • Kayakoy - Ghost Village
  • Kekova - Turkish Coast day sailing
  • Antalya - Kaleici Walking Tour
  • Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Wine and Sunset
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia - Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley
  • Cappadocia - Valley Hiking
Add on activities
  • Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY390
  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit - Free
  • Istanbul - Galata Tower - TRY650
  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY150
  • Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY340
  • Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - Free
  • Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY900
  • Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (inc. massage) - EUR100
  • Troy - Guided visit - TRY400
  • Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY130
  • Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - TRY320
  • Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) entrance fee - TRY250
  • Pamukkale - Hierapolis Museum - TRY400
  • Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool - TRY400
  • Saklikent National Park - Saklikent Gorge - TRY25
  • Antalya - Antalya Museum - TRY340
  • Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City - TRY340
  • Antalya - Mermerli Beach Kaleici - TRY150
  • Goreme - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance - EUR30
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR270
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR320
  • Goreme -Hamam Turkish Bath - EUR80
  • Goreme - Open Air Museum - TRY480
  • Goreme - Bike Riding - EUR130

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability. The single supplement exclude Day 3, 6 and 14.
2. Some accommodation on this tour is is multi shared. Multishare typically includes triple and quad rooms. You may be required to share with group members of same gender. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 43 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Emily · Traveled October 2023
Would 100% recommend this trip to everyone! Taha (our guide) was incredible, teaching us lots about Turkish culture and history. He looked after us all so well! We got to see so many amazing places and I've definitely made friends for life!
Review submitted 21 Oct 2023

Erin · Traveled September 2023
This trip was amazing!! Our guide Oz was the BEST and everyone in the group was awesome. The places we went and activities we did couldn’t have been better. The only thing that could improve is travelling back to Istanbul from Cappadocia during the day, skipping the overnight bus and having a night in Istanbul with the group at the end to go for one last dinner together and being able to wake up fresh in the morning before travelling on. After two weeks with the group it felt like family and it was so sad saying goodbye and to Oz as well. Türkiye exceeded my expectations, I loved this trip!
Review submitted 22 Oct 2023

Jessy · Traveled September 2023
Turkey is absolutely beautiful and this tour was a perfect way to experience it. Yes it's fast paced but don't let that put you off, there is plenty of down time if you need it, but if your group was as good as mine you'll want to be apart of everything! Thanks Oz for being the best guide! Şerefe!
Review submitted 23 Oct 2023

Alessandro · Traveled September 2023
The tour was great. While definitely a tiring and more budget style tour, It still provided some comfort and relaxation opportunities. A fantastic way to experience a lot of Turkey ina short time.
Review submitted 20 Sep 2023

Marina · Traveled August 2023
Highly recommend this tour! This itinerary allowed us to see and experience a variety of the amazing country that is Turkiye. The safety of group travel was invaluable and our guide Ilter was great. He communicated clearly, was knowledgeable, well-organised and always willing to answer my endless questions. Thank you!
Review submitted 24 Sep 2023
Real Turkey
From
EUR €1,157